Nope, ciao. Even with your instruction and with Javascript enabled, no way of finding who has rated ...
Nope, ciao. Even with your instruction and with Javascript enabled, no way of finding who has rated me. I can do it with other people's reviews, but not mine. Once again, computer says 'No!'
Member since:07.11.2005
Reviews:444
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Who would have thought that the Fast and Furious series of films would reach a fourth installment? The first one was an entertaining one with some impressive driving supported by a good plot. The second featured a downgraded version, with the third enjoyable but very much run of the mill. So, it may have been time to call it a day. But no, the return of Vin Diesel and Paul Walker to film a fourth film, together for the first time since the first film, has secured the film's success.
The two actors reprise their roles, with Diesel the bad boy on the run, and Walker the FBI agent yet another chance to try and bring down a big gun. This time, they find their interests lie with the same crook, a mysterious drug smuggler named Braga with a penchant for high octane cars. For one of them, it's a chance to provide career security, but for the other, it's personal!
You have to give it to them, Diesel and Walker are a good combo on screen. The acting is solid from the both of them throughout. It doesn't need to be so special in such a film, as the main focus is on the high speed cars and the fast paced plot, but they still need to uphold their end and keep the focus firmly on the plot. They do this perfectly, and with a strong supporting cast including Michelle Rodriguez and Jordana Brewster, the solidity runs right through.
The special effects must be mentioned. There are plenty of explosions, high speed car chases, and fight scenes, and while not everything is perfect, it is all impressive. The plot wings its merry way towards a tense finish, with a few twists and turns along the way, a few of which I hadn't seen coming, and the fact that there are ties on our two main characters throughout the film mean that the realistic nature is maintained for the majority of the film.
Yet there are elements beyond the realm of possibility. Some of the car moves are highly improbable, particularly with the flashes of the driver looking away or turning the wheel the opposite way to the car's direction. There are also a few gruesome ends for some characters that are toned down and made to appear a lot tamer than they could have been given the way it worked out.
The underlying factor, though, is that this is a very enjoyable hour and 45 minutes of action. No expense is spared in the explosive nature, and the all round performances are very good. I thoroughly enjoyed watching this, and would probably watch it again. Recommended.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Production Year: 2002 - Action/Adventure - Director: Vincenzo Natali - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring:Lucy Liu, David Hewlett, Anne Marie Scheffler, Joseph Scoren, Matthew Sharp, Jeremy Northam
Production Year: 2003 - Action/Adventure - Director: The Wachowski Brothers - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring:Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving, Jada Pinkett Smith, Monica Bellucci
Production Year: 1964 - Action/Adventure - Director: Cyril Endfield - Original Language: English - Classification: Parental Guidance - Starring:Stanley Baker, Jack Hawkins, Ulla Jacobsson, James Booth, Michael Caine, Nigel Green
Advantages: Plenty of action, nice effects, Vin Diesel, no need to think too hard. Disadvantages: Not really any, unless you're expecting something that it's not.
Advantages: Plenty of action, nice effects, Vin Diesel, no need to think too hard. Disadvantages: Not really any, unless you're expecting something that it's not.
Advantages: Back to the cruising scene with great cars, great sound systems and great girls. Action packed Disadvantages: It's not as good as Fast and Furious, poor acting, unrealistic story